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Media Release

Published: 02/25/2011

CONTACT(s):
Megan Mayo, media@itsatrip.org, 505-222-4349

Scorpion Chile Hits Albuquerque

America’s hottest chile to debut at Fiery Foods Show on March 4

Albuquerque, New Mexico – America’s hottest chile pepper is being revealed in Albuquerque, New Mexico as the essential ingredient in El Pinto’s limited edition Scorpion Salsa. The New Mexico Scorpion chile was cultivated and grown in the salsa and chile capital of the world, New Mexico, and is vying for its title as the hottest chile in the world.

The New Mexico Scorpion chile has a sting rating of 1,191,595 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and far exceeds the ability of a common man to eat. El Pinto, as the leader in high quality salsa, has taken the entire worldwide supply of New Mexico Scorpion chile, totaling approximately one pound, and used it to produce 490 limited edition 16-oz jars of Scorpion Salsa.

Scorpion Salsa is being launched at the Fiery Foods & Barbecue show in Albuquerque, NM March 4-6, 2011 being held at Sandia Resort and Casino. Only 150 of the limited jars will be available at the show. They will be available for purchase for $55.00 with a portion of the proceeds going to support the New Mexico Chile Institute to continue the work within the state of cultivating the finest chile plants in the world.

Scorpion Salsa is characterized by waves of intense heat that combine with a distinctive taste unlike anything else. “These chiles are so intense, we knew we had to create a salsa that would knock you over, but we wanted you to be able to taste the flavor of the chile as well,” said Jim Garcia El Pinto’s Director of Operations.

“Their heat level is startling and the flavor fills your mouth lasting for nearly an hour. These are some of the finest chilies we have ever seen.”

The New Mexico Scorpion chile was grown for the first time in a secret farm located in southern New Mexico. The crops from a handful of plants have been carefully cultivated into this first season of chiles ready to be introduced to the world. The independent third-party laboratory that measured the heat of the chiles verify it is the hottest chile in the world, and now the New Mexico Scorpion is under consideration by Guinness World Records™ for the official title. The “Salsa Twins,” John and Jim Thomas of El Pinto are exclusive in preparing Scorpion Salsa for consumers.

El Pinto is a family run, award winning restaurant and salsa company in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The restaurant is New Mexico’s largest, founded in 1962 and is nationally known for its traditional New Mexican cuisine, beautiful patios, and opportunity to see a celebrity tasting the best of New Mexico. El Pinto salsa has distribution in over 10,000 grocery stores nationwide and still uses the recipe from their grandmother Josephina Chavez Griggs. For individuals who want quality salsa and chile without the heat of Scorpion Salsa, the full product line is available at www.elpinto.com while Scorpion Salsa is at www.scorpionsalsa.com.